As a truck driver, you take pride in bringing people all over the country the supplies they need to live their lives daily. However, this occupation is not without risk, and unfortunately, just one split-second mistake can lead to a devastating truck accident.
In fact, research shows that more than 4,100 people passed away in truck accidents in 2019.
The good news? You can keep both yourself and other drivers safe on the road while behind the wheel of a big rig. Here are four important truck driving safety habits to adopt in the months ahead.
Let’s get started!
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Truck Driving Safety Tips Include Following the Three-Second Rule
Practicing this rule is paramount for avoiding rear and forward collisions, so start developing this habit each time you drive your commercial vehicle.
According to this rule, the amount of time it takes for you to reach the same point on the street that another car has already reached should be at least three seconds.
However, if you’re driving a truck in windy or rainy weather, the three seconds should become five seconds. In addition, if you’re driving in icy weather, the five seconds should jump to 10 seconds.
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Avoid Distractions
Distracted driving remains one of the top causes of truck accidents. For this reason, it’s critical that you drive with minimal distractions while on the job.
A distraction is essentially anything that requires you to remove your hands from your steering wheel or your eyes from the road. Examples of distractions include eating on the go or even staring at a nearby billboard.
However, according to attorney Jerome O. Fjeld, a common culprit in distracted driving situations is mobile phone use — particularly texting while behind the wheel. Find out more about this truck accident lawyer and how he can help people who have been injured by a distracted truck driver.
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Take a Break
Under government regulations, every truck driver has to take breaks before they’re allowed to continue driving. So, be sure to include regular breaks in your driving schedule — and avoid the temptation to skip them.
For instance, you must take a half-hour break after driving for eight hours. In addition, you have to rest for 10 to 11 hours prior to returning to the road.
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Always Use Your Signal
If you’re operating on a long stretch of road or during a non-peak time for traffic, you might be tempted to switch lanes without signaling. But don’t. Failing to turn your signal on can boost your chances of causing a collision and is also against the law.
So, as a general rule of thumb, even if you don’t see vehicles near you, always signal before completing a lane change.
How We Can Help
In addition to highlighting the top truck driving safety tips, we offer a range of other advice related to health and safety this summer.
For instance, through our site, you can learn about the top foods and beverages to avoid to keep your pearly whites in tip-top shape. You can also discover the five key preparedness supplies you should always have on hand in the event of an emergency.
Take a peek at our site to learn more about how to keep yourself and those around you safe in 2021 and beyond.
